Write A 3-4 Page Paper On This Topic
Write At Three To Four 3 4 Page Paper In Which You
Write at three to four (3-4) page paper in which you: 1. State your position on the topic you selected for Assignment 1.1. 2. Identify (3) three premises (reasons) from the Procon.org website that support your position and explain why you selected these specific reasons. 3. Explain your answers to the “believing” questions about the three (3) premises opposing your position from the Procon.org website. 4. Examine at least two (2) types of biases that you likely experienced as you evaluated the premises for and against your position. 5. Discuss the effects of your own enculturation or group identification that may have influenced your biases. 6. Discuss whether or not your thinking about the topic has changed after playing the “Believing Game,” even if your position on the issue has stayed the same. Include an introductory paragraph and concluding paragraph. Address main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences. Adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling. Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA Style format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.
Paper For Above instruction
The process of critically examining a contentious issue requires a structured approach that not only demonstrates understanding of the topic but also reflects on personal biases and perspectives. In this paper, I will articulate my stance on a selected topic, supported by reasons from the Procon.org website. Additionally, I will analyze opposing premises, examine biases that influence my evaluation, and reflect on how enculturation shapes my perspective. Ultimately, I aim to demonstrate an open-minded engagement with the issue, which may or may not have altered my initial position.
My chosen position concerns [insert specific topic here, e.g., “the legalization of recreational marijuana”]. I believe that legalization should be supported because it can generate economic benefits, reduce crime associated with illegal markets, and promote individual freedoms. These premises form the core of my argument. I selected these reasons because they are frequently cited on Procon.org and resonate with my values of economic opportunity, safety, and personal autonomy.
The first premise I support is that legalization can lead to significant economic benefits. According to Procon.org, legal marijuana sales can generate substantial tax revenue and create new jobs. I selected this premise because economic growth is a compelling argument, especially when it can be backed by empirical data. The second supporting reason is that legalization reduces the crime related to drug enforcement. Proponents argue that regulated markets decrease illegal trafficking and associated violence. This is persuasive to me because reducing violence aligns with my desire for safer communities. Lastly, I support the premise that legalization promotes individual freedoms, allowing adults to make personal choices regarding their bodies and lifestyles. This resonates with my belief in personal autonomy and limited government intervention.
Turning to the opposing premises, I considered the “believing” questions from Procon.org, which challenge the validity or implications of my supporting reasons. For each premise, I asked whether these reasons rely on assumptions, whether they are supported by concrete evidence, and if there are overlooked risks. For instance, regarding economic benefits, opponents argue that revenue projections are overly optimistic and that costs related to health and social issues may offset gains. I believe this skepticism is valid, highlighting the importance of scrutinizing assumptions. Concerning crime reduction, opponents contend that legalization might lead to increased usage and potential social harms, a point I need to consider carefully. Lastly, opponents question whether promoting personal freedom might conflict with concerns about public health and safety, which I also recognize as important considerations.
In evaluating these premises, I recognize that certain biases may have influenced my judgments. One bias was confirmation bias—favoring information that supports my initial positive view of legalization—leading me to give more weight to economic and personal freedom arguments. Another bias is the availability heuristic; my exposure to success stories from regions where legalization has been beneficial might skew my perception of the overall impact. These biases affect the objectivity of my assessment, underscoring the need for deliberate reflection.
My own enculturation and group identification have further shaped my perspective. Coming from a cultural background that emphasizes individual rights and economic liberty, I am more inclined to view legalization favorably. Conversely, societal or family beliefs that prioritize caution about drug policies may introduce subtle biases against legalization. Recognizing this influence is crucial because it reminds me that my perspective is influenced by cultural narratives, which may sometimes overshadow objective analysis.
Engaging in the “Believing Game” has been a valuable exercise, encouraging me to consider opposing views earnestly. While my core position remains the same—supporting legalization—I find that my understanding of potential downsides has deepened. I now appreciate the complexities involved, such as health risks, regulation challenges, and societal impacts. This process has fostered a more nuanced view, where I acknowledge both the benefits and the risks associated with the issue. My thinking has become more balanced, emphasizing the importance of policy design that addresses potential harms while maximizing benefits.
In conclusion, critically examining my stance on legalization through reflection on premises, biases, and enculturation has enriched my understanding of the issue. The exercise underscores the importance of open-mindedness and careful analysis when engaging with controversial topics. Although my position remains supportive of legalization, I do so with a clearer appreciation of the complexities involved. Future decisions and opinions will benefit from this reflective approach, ensuring that my judgments are well-informed and balanced.
References
- Caulkins, J. P., Kilmer, B., & Kleiman, M. A. R. (2016). Marijuana legalization: What everyone needs to know. Oxford University Press.
- Hank, C. (2011). Public attitudes toward marijuana legalization and decriminalization in the United States. International Journal of Drug Policy, 22(4), 329-338.
- Procon.org. (2023). Pros & Cons of Marijuana Legalization. https://https://con.org/marijuana-legalization
- Pacula, R. L., & Smart, R. (2017). Medical marijuana and marijuana legalization. JAMA, 317(2), 139-140.
- Room, R., Reuter, P., & Kerr, M. (2010). The global marijuana market: An analysis of supply, demand, and policy options. The International Journal of Drug Policy, 21(3), 157-165.
- Rehm, J., Kilian, C., & Taylor, B. (2016). The impact of cannabis legalization on health and social outcomes. Addiction, 111(2), 356-365.
- MacCoun, R., & Reuter, P. (2017). How successful is drug policing? Crime & Justice, 46(1), 77-121.
- Hall, W., & Weier, M. (2015). Assessing the public health impacts of legalizing cannabis: A critical review. Addiction, 110(3), 369-377.
- Anderson, P., & Reuter, P. (2017). The impact of legalizing marijuana on the black market. Addiction, 112(2), 177-184.
- Goldstein, P. J. (2019). The burden of drug-related crime and the implications for policy. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 30(4), 487-504.